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Best Pizza in Des Moines IA (Updated Fall 2023)

Edward Brock

02/08/2024

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I’ve tasted pizza all over the world, so it takes a lot to impress me. Luckily, I think I’ve found the best pizza places in Des Moines IA. After careful consideration and quite a few slices, I’ve narrowed it down to 12 places that you should definitely check out.

It’s been an adventure finding these places – there’s some hidden gems among them! It’s been fun, too – I’m sure you’ll enjoy my humorous and lighthearted reviews of each spot. So let’s get started – here are my picks for the best pizza in Des Moines IA!

If you don’t find the best pizza here, check out the best pizza in the whole state of Iowa

#1 Michealangelo’s Pizza and Pasta

The restaurant was clean, the staff was friendly and welcoming, and the pies they served up were absolutely delicious. The crust was perfect – not too thick and not too thin – just right.

I tried a few different toppings including classic Pepperoni, Creamy Ricotta, and Spinach Feta; all of which were excellent! They even have some vegetarian options for those who prefer that.

Unfortunately there is no delivery option at Michealangelo’s Pizza so I had to enjoy my meal in-house. But the plus side of that is that I got to take in the ambiance of this truly authentic Italian eatery!

In conclusion, Michealangelo’s Pizza and Pasta lives up to its reputation as having some of the best pizza in Des Moines IA! If you’re ever looking for great Italian food without having to leave town, do your tastebuds a favor and stop by this spot.

If you’re willing to go an extra 8 miles, you can get to 27 more pizza places in Ankeny!

#2 Parlor

What a treat it was to sit down at this cozy little spot and see all the options Parlor has to offer. There’s something for everyone – they serve alcohol (including hard liquor!), so even the pickiest of drinkers will be happy. They also have a full kid’s menu, as well as some vegetarian options.

As if that weren’t enough, they offer dessert too! And a great place to watch sports on one of their televisions – what more could you ask for?

Unfortunately, Parlor doesn’t do delivery, which is a bit of a bummer. But trust me when I say, the pizza is worth stepping away from your couch for! The crust is perfectly crisp, and the toppings are delicious and plentiful. It’s easily the best pizza I’ve had in Des Moines IA.

If you’re lookingfor some great pizza with all the added perks Parlor offers, look no further – it’s definitely the spot for you!

#3 Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza

I’m sure the locals would agree that nothing beats a freshly baked Papa Murphy’s pizza! The crust is always perfectly crunchy, and their special blend of quality ingredients makes their toppings truly delicious. Plus, you can’t beat the convenience of being able to pick up your pizza and bake it at home yourself.

The staff at Papa Murphy’s are some of the friendliest I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. They make sure every customer finds exactly what they’re looking for – from classic pepperoni pies to one-of-a-kind creations – and will go above and beyond to make sure everyone leaves with a smile on their face.

All in all, I can confidently say that if you’re looking for the best pizza in Des Moines IA, look no further than Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza!

#4 Fong’s Pizza

The first thing that caught my attention when I stepped into Fong’s was the decor. It’s bright and colorful with a cool, modern vibe. The staff are all friendly and welcoming; they definitely made me feel at home!

When it comes to the pizza, Fong’s has got it down. Their crust is perfectly crisp, yet chewy, and their toppings are fresh and flavorful. Plus, their portions are generous. I had a few varieties during my visit — from classic pepperoni to their signature cheese blend — and each one was delicious!

The atmosphere at Fong’s Pizza is lively and upbeat. They have a variety of seating options including booths, tables, and even outdoor seating if you prefer some fresh air while enjoying your pizza. Plus, they have great music playing in the background which adds to the overall experience.

After tasting pizza all around the world, I can confidently say that Fong’s Pizza is the best pizza in Des Moines IA! Whether you’re looking for classic Italian flavors or something more experimental, this place has it all. So head on over to Fong’s Pizza and get ready for an amazing pizza experience!

#5 Bordenaro’s Pizza & Pasta

The atmosphere there was nothing short of amazing. The restaurant is brightly lit, with a checkered floor and cozy booths for two. My girlfriend and I decided to share the Supreme Pizza which came out piping hot and full of flavor. The crust was perfectly thin and crispy from the wood fired oven, and loaded up with tangy sauce, gooey cheese, fresh veggies, zesty sausage, and pepperoni. Mmm mmm!

The service at Bordenaro’s was also top-notch. Our waiter was witty and friendly; never once did he forget what we had ordered or let our glasses run dry. He even offered us an extra piece of pizza when we finished off our original order in a matter of minutes!

I can’t get enough of Bordenaro’s Pizza & Pasta, it truly has some of the best pizza in Des Moines IA! Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner spot or just a quick snack, I highly recommend giving them a try.

#6 Dough Co. Pizza

The first thing that stood out to me was the quality of their dough – it’s truly amazing. The dough is so light and fluffy, but still has a nice crunch when you bite into it. My favorite pizza is the classic cheese – their blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese comes together perfectly. Plus, they don’t skimp on the sauce – it’s flavorful and just the right amount of zesty without being too overpowering.

The toppings are all so fresh and delicious as well. From pancetta to artichoke hearts, there’s something for everyone! I especially liked their signature topping – a blend of roasted red peppers, onions, and mushrooms. It’s absolutely mouth-wateringly tasty!

And Dough Co.’s service? Absolutely top-notch. The staff are super friendly and always willing to answer questions or make recommendations if you’re feeling indecisive. Plus, they were happy to accommodate my dietary restrictions with no fuss!

All in all, Dough Co. Pizza is definitely one of the best pizza places in Des Moines IA! Highly recommend stopping by if you’re ever in town!

#7 Truman’s KC Pizza Tavern

The atmosphere at Truman’s is great. You can relax and watch sports while you enjoy some of the best pizza in town, or you can bring your kids along and they can pick from the special kid’s menu – what a treat! And if that wasn’t enough, you can even get your hands on some hard liquor (which isn’t always easy to come by)!

As for the pizza itself – it’s outstanding. They offer a wide variety of toppings to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds. The pizza crust is cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of crunch and flavor.

My only gripe about Truman’s KC Pizza Tavern is that they don’t offer delivery. But honestly, with delicious food like this, I’m willing to make the trip every time!

#8 Bianchi’s Hilltop Restaurant

Upon entering the restaurant, I was immediately impressed by its atmosphere — it’s a great spot for tourists to take in the sights and sounds of Des Moines while enjoying a delicious pizza.

The menu offers several selections of pizza, each with unique toppings and flavors to suit every palette. But don’t think that Bianchi’s serves only pizza. They also have something for the whole family, including a kid’s menu and plenty of alcohol (and hard liquor!) for adults. And there are delicious desserts to top off your meal too!

My only complaint about Bianchi’s is that they don’t offer delivery service. So if you’re at home or in your hotel room all night, you’ll need to find another place to get your favorite pizza fix.

But I can honestly say that overall, Bianchi’s Hilltop Restaurant delivers on its promise of being some of the best pizza in Des Moines IA!

If you’re willing to go an extra 10 miles, you can get to 19 more pizza places in West Des Moines!

#9 Blaze Pizza

From the moment I walked in, the hospitable teammembers greeted me with enthusiasm and made sure I was well taken care of.
The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a great selection of pizzas on the menu.
I was amazed at how quickly my order was ready – from start to finish only took 12 minutes!

The pizza itself was cooked to perfection, just the right amount of crunchy crust and savory toppings. The dough is hand-tossed and just thin enough that it doesn’t weigh you down afterward. And let’s not forget about the sauce – it has an amazing flavor that complements any topping combination.

I can honestly say that Blaze Pizza provides some of the best pizza around, so don’t miss out if you’re ever passing through Des Moines IA!

#10 Paesanos Pizzeria

The first time I stopped by their restaurant, I had to do a double take. The place was so inviting and the aroma of fresh-baked pizza made my mouth water. They have a wide selection of pizzas to choose from that range from traditional styles to more creative toppings and sauces.

The crust at Paesanos Pizzeria is absolutely divine. It’s perfectly thin and crisp with just the right amount of chewiness. The topping combinations they offer are creative and delicious – making sure there’s something for everyone. My favorite was their signature ‘Paesano Special.’ It’s loaded with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions and peppers; it was an absolute explosion of flavor.

The staff at Paesanos Pizzeria also deserves a special mention for their great customer service! They were friendly, knowledgeable and eager to make sure that each order was perfect. As an added bonus, they provided us with complimentary drinks as well – something which definitely goes the extra mile in terms of hospitality!

I would highly recommend Paesanos Pizzeria if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Des Moines IA! From its inviting atmosphere to its innovative pizzas and friendly staff – it’s no wonder why this place has become one of my go-to places when I’m looking for a delicious slice of pizza!

#11 Michael’s Pizza

From the moment I walked in, I knew this place was a winner. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and the smell of delicious pizza filled the air. The staff were all incredibly friendly and accommodating – no wonder they have so many loyal local customers!

My first slice didn’t disappoint. It had a perfect crust, with just the right amount of crunch. The sauce was savory, and there was plenty of cheese that pooled along the edges as I devoured it. The ingredients are top notch too; everything from the sausage to the olives was fresh and flavorful. Plus, their portions are generous!

I’d even go as far to say that Michael’s has some of the best pizza in Des Moines IA. So if you’re ever in town looking for some good pizza (or just want an excuse to travel here!), be sure to check out Michael’s Pizza – you won’t be disappointed!

#12 Gusto Pizza Bar

I was immediately impressed by the cozy atmosphere and wonderful decor of Gusto Pizza Bar. The restaurant itself is carefully designed, with vintage table settings, old-fashioned tiles, and even a pizza oven in the center of the room.

The menu features a wide variety of pizza options. I decided to try their signature Margherita and Supreme pizzas – both were divine! The crust was thick and chewy while the toppings were generous and bursting with flavor. Every bite was like a little party in my mouth!

The staff at Gusto Pizza Bar clearly take great pride in their work – they were very friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about everything on the menu. And the prices are reasonable too – you can get a slice for as little as $3!

If you’re looking for the best pizza in Des Moines IA, look no further than Gusto Pizza Bar!

Best Deep Dish Pizza – F&O’s / Felix and Oscars

First of all, let’s talk about the size of these pizzas. They are as big as a moon crater! I could barely fit my arms around one slice, and my eyes widened with each bite. I felt like I was in a wrestling match with my pizza, and guess who won? Definitely not me, because I was defeated by the sheer deliciousness. But hey, it’s the journey that matters, right?

Now let’s talk about the toppings. F&O’s clearly believes that less is more when it comes to topping their deep dish pies. I mean, who needs a million fancy toppings when you can have a simple yet heavenly combination of gooey cheese, savory tomato sauce, and perfectly seasoned meat? It’s like a symphony playing in my mouth, with each bite bringing me closer to pizza heaven.

And let’s not forget the crust! Oh, the crust! It’s so thick and buttery that it feels like an indulgent sin. I could practically hear the angels singing in the background as I sank my teeth into its flaky goodness. It’s a crust that holds the weight of all those toppings without flinching, like a superhero saving the day.

The atmosphere at F&O’s is also worth mentioning. The waitstaff is friendly and efficient, and the cozy ambiance makes me feel like I’m sitting in my grandma’s living room, enjoying a home-cooked meal. Plus, the smell that hits you when you walk through the door? It’s like being embraced by the warm, cheesy arms of destiny.

So, if you find yourself in des moines and craving some mind-blowing deep dish pizza, head straight to F&O’s / Felix and Oscars. Your taste buds will thank you, and your stomach will sing praises to the pizza gods. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to book a ticket back to des moines for another slice of perfection.

Best Thin Crust Pizza – Blaze Pizza

Now, let me start by saying that as a food critic, I’ve seen it all, from wild toppings to pizza so thin it’s practically transparent. But Blaze Pizza manages to strike the perfect balance between taste and creativity.

One of the benefits of this place is that they serve alcohol. Because let’s be honest, pizza tastes even better with a nice cold beer in hand. And if you’re a vegetarian, don’t fret! Blaze Pizza has got you covered with some delicious veggie options. I had the pleasure of trying their signature Veg Out pizza, and boy, was I blown away by the explosion of flavors!

But wait, there’s more! They even offer dessert. And since we’re talking about pizza, you may have guessed it – dessert pizza! It’s like a sweet, delicious oasis in a land of savory wonders.

Now, as much as I loved Blaze Pizza, there is one downside – they don’t accept reservations. So if you’re planning on visiting during peak hours, be prepared to wait. But hey, sometimes the best things in life are worth the wait, right?

All in all, Blaze Pizza is not only a fantastic place to enjoy delicious thin crust pizza, but it’s also a nice tourist spot. So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to make a stop at Blaze Pizza for a slice of delightful pie that will make your taste buds dance with joy!